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Friday, May 22, 2015

A Different Kind of Bucket List Writing Prompt

Photo: Bucket and Spade on the Beach by Henry Burrows

Hello, Everybody! I just want to say thank you to everyone who visits the blog. I know I have not posted in quite some time, but the archive is huge, and I'm so glad so many come to the blog every day in search of writing inspiration.

I have been teaching so much, which is why I have not been posting. But since I am going to be off for a while, I thought of some new prompts I would like to add.

For today's prompt, I want you to think "Bucket List," but not in the typical way. Many people have bucket lists, whether it is written down or just ideas in their heads. However, for today, I want you to think about some of the surprising things that you have already done, maybe some things you have engaged in without having any prior plan. Think about some cool things you have done, things you are glad you have done, things you have achieved. Take 2 minutes and write a list.

***************Time Passes. . . . .

Now that you have a list, I would like for you to pick one thing from your list and write for 7 minutes to the following prompts:

1. Memoir: Write a short memoir piece about one of the things you have done. Include your feelings about it before, during, and after. OR write about the interaction of the people who encouraged you or were with you when it happened.

2. Poetry: Write a reflection in verse about one of the things you have done. Show surprise. Show light.

3. Fiction: Add to the details of your outcome, or change details to make it more interesting. Put a character in place. The conflict is trying to achieve the outcome, and the journey is the story. Does the character end up achieving the goal? Why does the character want to do this? Are there people contributing to the conflict? Are there supporters for this character? The support the character receives does not have to be human. So.....

After you write for 7 minutes, you might have something you can work with, so Happy Writing and Happy Revising! Feel free to share what you write.